Dmitry Starodubtsev’s Pole Breaks During Jump (Video)

Russian pole vaulter Dmitry Starodubtsev was attempting a jump of 5.75 meters (18.9 feet) Monday at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, when his pole snapped in half mid-jump. The accident left him clutching his hand in pain, and unable to continue in pursuit of a medal.

The exact same thing happened to his fellow competitor Jan Kudlicka of Czech Republic at the same height.